The government is fully prepared to prevent the spread of measles, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md. Sakhawat Hossain said on Thursday.

“Measles has started to spread suddenly. We had no prior preparation, but we are now fully ready to prevent it in a short time,” he said while inaugurating a training programme on the use of bubble CPAP in treating measles-related pneumonia and respiratory problems at Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

The minister said measles vaccination will begin nationwide next Sunday. “We are shocked by the deaths of so many children. All necessary measures have been taken to prevent an outbreak across the country, including Dhaka and Rajshahi,” he added.

He said special arrangements have already been made in some hospitals to treat measles patients.

Ventilator systems have been increased in Rajshahi and Manikganj. Besides, ventilators have been arranged in other hospitals, and doctors and nurses are ready, according to a PID handout.

Experts call for legal action over vaccine delays fueling measles outbreak

Requesting the support of health workers at all levels, Sakhawat Hossain said, “Our health workers are facing many challenges. I promise to address your problems as soon as possible, but for now, I seek your cooperation in this critical moment for the country.”

The minister also noted that several health workers engaged in vaccination have not received their salaries for a long time, which is a significant problem.

He added that thousands of health assistants, co-health assistants, and health inspectors have long-standing demands for promotions or grade improvements, which will be considered.

Referring to the contribution and humanitarian service of doctors, the minister urged them to prioritise “trust,” which he called the cornerstone of medical ethics, in their healthcare activities.

The programme was chaired by Professor Dr. AKM Azizul Haque, President of the Board of Directors of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute, and attended by Dr. Prabhat Chandra Biswas, Executive Director of ICDDR,B, B. Tahmid Ahmed, Director of the Shishu Hospital & Institute, and Professor Dr. Md. Mahbubul Haque.

During a seminar on the outbreak, Professor Dr. Mirza Md. Ziaul Islam, Head of the Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, highlighted the pattern of measles spread and preventive measures.

Later, the Health Minister inaugurated the Surgical Outpatient Department of Bangladesh Shishu Hospital & Institute and visited the Specialized Measles Ward.